RSS: Advocating Muslim Reservation Contradicts Constitution's Founders
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Synopsis
On March 23, the RSS criticized the Karnataka government's decision to implement a 4% reservation for Muslims in government tenders, asserting that it goes against the principles laid down by the Constitution's founding fathers.
Key Takeaways
- The RSS opposes religion-based reservation.
- Constitution does not support reservations based on religion.
- Past attempts at such reservations have been overturned by the Supreme Court.
- RSS claims appointments are based on merit, not affiliation.
- Questions remain regarding the timing of the caste census.
Bengaluru, March 23 (NationPress) In response to the Congress-led Karnataka government’s initiative to allocate 4 percent reservation to Muslims in government tenders, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) stated on Sunday that those supporting Muslim reservation are contradicting the intentions of the founding fathers of the Constitution.
“The Constitution of Bharat does not allow for any form of reservation based on religion. Other states have tried this approach, but both the high courts and the Supreme Court have invalidated such measures. It was introduced when Telangana and Andhra Pradesh were a single entity and also under the administration of Sushilkumar Shinde in Maharashtra. These proposals were made prior to elections but were subsequently quashed by the Supreme Court,” explained RSS Sahakaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale during a press conference aimed at discussing the Akhil Bhartiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) meeting in Bengaluru.
Hosabale further stated that reservations based on religion are not feasible, although reservations for backward classes within a religion do exist in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and several other states.
“Nonetheless, the Constitution, which was drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar, does not accept religion-based reservations. Anyone endorsing this notion is acting against the vision of the Constitution's founding fathers,” he asserted.
On the topic of delimitation, Hosabale mentioned that there hasn't been a census or any draft released, noting that until something definitive is announced, the Sangh cannot provide any comments.
“Politicians can express their views on these issues daily. However, the Sangh cannot comment on matters lacking a draft or an official declaration. The Union Home Minister has already indicated that no such procedure is currently in progress. Should a draft be issued and a response be required, the Sangh will respond appropriately,” he said.
In response to inquiries regarding the caste census, he noted that the Supreme Court has consistently sought data on the execution of welfare initiatives.
“We are uncertain about when the census will be conducted. Once it is executed, these discussions can be revisited,” he stated.
Addressing claims that the RSS is appointing its members as personal assistants (PAs) to ministers and BJP leaders, he clarified that the Sangh has not instructed anyone to hire RSS members in such capacities.
“RSS volunteers are citizens of this nation. If they are qualified and suitable, they are appointed based on merit. Even when there was no BJP government in any state, Sangh volunteers were still placed in various roles due to their qualifications. A proper selection process is in place, and not all appointed individuals are exclusively RSS volunteers. Merely being an RSS volunteer does not guarantee an appointment,” he explained.
Hosabale added that Sangh Swayamsevaks are not prohibited from holding positions, and as citizens, they have every right to be appointed.
“If there are any illegalities, appropriate measures can be taken. However, no such irregularities are present. If they are citizens, why should they not be appointed?” Dattatreya Hosabale concluded.
